Hamburg, 2026-05-06 – Hamburg’s Mayor Peter Tschentscher (SPD) made a compelling case for the city to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games during a government statement in the Bürgerschaft on Wednesday. Tschentscher emphasized that “Olympic and Paralympic Games are a historic opportunity for Hamburg.”
Mayor’s Vision: A ‘Yes’ Vote for Hamburg’s Future
For 20 minutes, Mayor Tschentscher appealed to Hamburg residents to vote “yes” in the referendum on May 31st, which will decide on the city’s bid for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. He stressed that the referendum was not merely about a specific project or event. “It’s about the image we have of ourselves and the image we want to project to the world,” Tschentscher stated. Ultimately, he added, it’s also a decision about trusting in Hamburg’s own capabilities and its future.
Hamburg’s Concept: Sustainability and Community
Tschentscher highlighted that the city should not adapt to the Olympic Games, but rather the Games should adapt to the city. He underscored the importance of sustainability and community, the promotion of school and popular sports, inclusion, and accessibility. “We have a very good concept. It suits Hamburg and it is the best Olympic concept that has been designed in Germany so far,” Tschentscher affirmed.
Political Support and Criticism
The Mayor dismissed criticism regarding the costs of the Games as unjustified and misleading. Opposition leader Dennis Thering of the CDU also supported the Olympic bid, arguing that it presented an opportunity to improve infrastructure, modernize sports facilities, and elevate accessibility to a new level. He suggested that young people could be inspired by sports, fairness, and community, further positioning Hamburg internationally. Sina Imhof, parliamentary group leader of the Greens, similarly advocated for a “yes” vote in the referendum, citing Paris as an example of how the Olympic and Paralympic Games can integrate into a city and advance it in the long term.
However, the AfD and the Left Party voiced criticism against a potential Olympic bid. Heike Sudmann, parliamentary group leader of the Left, directly addressed the Mayor, stating: “You present yourself like a gambler who is still addicted.” Sudmann argued that Tschentscher had not learned from past experiences, such as with the Elbtower. She stressed that the Olympic Games in Hamburg would be significantly more expensive than anticipated by the Senate. She also pointed out that all leading German economic institutes indicate that the Olympic Games do not have any discernible effects on economic growth. Tschentscher had previously emphasized that the Olympic Games would have “positive effects on the economy.” AfD parliamentary group leader Dirk Nockemann criticized the costs and, among other things, deplored the lack of a calculation for security during the Olympic Games.
Business Community Backs the Bid
Meanwhile, the Hamburg business community expressed its support for a potential Olympic bid on Wednesday. All 27 chambers and associations declared their endorsement, arguing in a joint statement that the Games would offer significant opportunities for Hamburg as a location.
The Olympic Referendum: Key Dates and Other Bids
On May 31st, the citizens of Hamburg will vote on whether the city should officially participate in the bidding process for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2036, 2040, or 2044. On September 26th, the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) will vote on the German Olympic candidate at a general meeting in Baden-Baden. Besides Hamburg, there are also initiatives in Berlin, Munich, and the Rhine-Ruhr region. The municipalities involved in North Rhine-Westphalia and the city of Munich have already successfully held referendums. There is no referendum in Berlin, where the Senate unanimously backed the Olympic plans on Tuesday.
The DOSB anticipates that the International Olympic Committee will make a decision on awarding the Games no earlier than 2027.
Campaign Intensifies Ahead of Vote
Ahead of the vote on the Olympic bid at the end of May, the campaign is entering its final stages, featuring drone shows, door-to-door campaigning, and information sessions for seniors. This extensive effort aims to engage citizens and inform them about the bid.
Source: https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/hamburg/regierungserklaerung-tschentscher-wirbt-fuer-olympische-spiele-in-hamburg,buergerschaft-166.html
